A 29-year-old man in Indiana is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of attacking his girlfriend’s 1-year-old son. The child, who had autism and was nonverbal, was injured after the man became enraged over an accidental spill.
A jury in Delaware County deliberated for only about 20 minutes before reaching a verdict, convicting the man of felony battery on a child under 14 years of age. Under Indiana law, this level six felony carries a potential punishment of up to 30 months in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
The incident occurred in late November 2021. During the trial, evidence was presented showing that the man forcibly rubbed the toddler’s face into the carpet where water had been accidentally spilled. The violent act resulted in a bloody wound on the child’s forehead.
Testimony indicated that the perpetrator was aware of the child’s autism and inability to speak. Despite this, he verbally berated the toddler, stating, “If you are going to act like an animal, I’ll treat you like one.”
Following the guilty verdict, the judge ordered the man to be taken into custody at the Delaware County Jail. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 14, where a final decision on the length of his incarceration will be made.
Authorities commended the legal team and law enforcement officials who worked on the case. The prosecuting attorney expressed appreciation for the dedication and effort put into securing a conviction.
Court documents indicate that in October 2024, the defendant had previously entered a guilty plea to a felony intimidation charge. However, the presiding judge at the time rejected the plea agreement, withdrawing the defendant’s guilty plea and allowing the case to proceed to trial.
The conviction ensures that the case moves to the next phase, where the final sentence will be determined. The outcome highlights the commitment to seeking justice in cases involving vulnerable children.
